To the casual observer, the state of Utah may not stand out as a center for underwater activities. However, the state does have more than 2,000 lakes, many of which are suitable for scuba diving.

On the road to Nevada, there’s a small lake divers enjoy even in the dead of winter. The waters are warm and contain tropical-like wildlife. Pastor Sergio Romero of the Salt Lake Spanish church performed a wedding at this very spot last year.

Dawna Laura Little, a native of Morgan, Utah, and Mohamaad Zukirmi Bin Seman, who had grown up on the Perhentian Island of Malaysia, heard good things about the Adventist pastor through Romero’s scuba diving instructor, and they asked if he would officiate their underwater wedding. A few weeks before the ceremony, Romero met with the couple and learned that she was a Mormon and he a Muslim.

“They were very nice people,” said Romero, “and we bonded right away. Through our time spent planning, an opportunity was made available to share my faith. We had many discussions about Jesus and about the Adventist Church.”

On the day of the wedding, while the bride’s parents waited on the surface, six individuals descended 45 feet below the surface. The first to dive were Kevin Borg, a member of the Wasatch Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Romero. Then the wedding photographer and a cameraman from a local TV news network followed. Finally, the couple descended.

The world below sound was as colorful and lively as the one above. “There are sharks so tame they can be petted,” said Romero.

Because voices aren't understandable underwater, the group used writing slates to communicate. Those were prepared by the group and placed ahead of time. The ceremony lasted approximately 15 minutes. While fish circled in and around this small group, the Romero declared the couple husband and wife. A silent kiss brought the underwater ceremony to a close.

The couple’s choice for an underwater wedding ceremony has led to their request for Bible study. Also, the name Seventh-day Adventist is now a familiar one to the bride’s Mormon parents, the wedding photographer, the proprietors of the dive site, the TV cameraman and the many viewers who saw the news story.